Toxic ‘forever' chemicals found in excessive levels in global groundwater, study says

Potentially toxic chemicals known as PFAS have been found in surface and groundwaters worldwide at levels higher than allowed by many regulators, according to a new study. PFAS, also called “forever chemicals,” are used to make consumer products nonstick, oil- and water-repellent, and resistant to temperature change. Even in locations without known contamination sources, a significant percentage of groundwater samples exceeded proposed threshold limits set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Health Canada. PFAS have been linked to health problems such as cancer, obesity, thyroid disease, and hormone disruption. The study highlights the global dispersion of PFAS and the failure of chemical policy.